What is Epilespy and How Can An Epilepsy Wristband Help?

This entry was posted on October 21, 2016 by Christy.

What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a condition where the sufferer has repeated seizures. This results from an abnormal discharge of electricity in the brain cells. Many people inherit epilepsy. However, it may also result from brain imbalances or the effects of drugs and alcohol. In some cases, it is the side effect of a brain injury. There are over 40 different types of the condition. It is the most common brain disorder in the world and affects all ages. Most people with the condition respond to treatment. This includes anti epilepsy drugs (AED) and avoiding stimulants such as drugs.

How many Australians are affected?

Up to 3.5 percent of all Australians experience epilepsy during their lives. Over 250,000 Australians live with the condition. It is most frequently diagnosed in elderly people, young children and teenagers.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of epilepsy will vary. They depend on whether the electrical discharge affects the whole brain, or certain parts. A partial seizure may result in an “absence”. This may be for as short a time as a second. A full seizure may last for over five minutes and may involve muscle spasms.

What to do if someone has a fit?

Someone having a seizure in front of you can be confounding. However, it is important to act to reduce the chance of injury to the person. Understanding first aid is an important part of helping care for people with the condition. Advice from Epilepsy Action Australia suggests you should:

Stay with the person. They are likely to be confused when they regain consciousness.

Protect the patient’s head from danger during the seizure.

Roll the person onto their side (the recovery position) once the fit has passed. Do so immediately if there is any sign of vomit in the mouth. This will be necessary to prevent the patient choking.

The patient will require reassurance until they have recovered.

You should never: Try to move the person (unless they are in danger). Nor should you put anything in their mouth. Do not try to restrain the person or attempt CPR. This is the chest compression technique used to get the heart working after a heart attack.

Call an ambulance if the fit:

lasts more than five minutes,

if the patient is not responsive after the attack,

if the seizure occurred in water or

if they are choking.

Benefits of wearing an epilepsy wristband

There are many benefits of wearing an epilepsy wristband. The band identifies the wearer, outlines their condition and gives the right treatment. Medical wristbands can be vital for those with serious medical conditions. These include people who need special medication or have allergies. Wearing such ID is especially important for epileptics. With the wristband, they will be able to get early hospitalisation if necessary. This may be the difference between life and death if the seizure is extended and leads to complications. The wristband will help paramedics arriving on the scene to give the correct treatment.

The wristband will also have contact details so that the family of the sufferer can be notified quickly.

A medical wristband can make a big difference for epileptics. It can mean being able to get treatment straight away and avoid confusion over how to treat their condition. However, carrying such ID is as important for family and carers as it is for the wearer. It will bring peace of mind to them knowing that vital medical information is located on an eye-catching wristband.